Reda Agourram Invited To Impact Training Camp

MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact announced Wednesday that Trois-Rivières Attak striker Reda Agourram has been invited to the Montreal team's training camp, which will kick off Monday at the Bell Sports Complex, in Brossard.

Agourram, a 19-year-old Montrealer of Moroccan origin, played the 2009 season with the Impact's reserve team. In 19 matches (14 starts) and 1,356 minutes of play, Agourram scored 13 goals, which earned him the Best Scorer and Rookie of the Year honours, both with the Attak and in the Canadian Soccer League. In his first season in that league, he helped the Attak win their first playoff championship. In 2009, he was called up by the Impact for the exhibition game against the Haitian national team, July 1, at Saputo Stadium.

"Reda did very well with the reserve team last year and we have followed him closely with Attak coach Philippe Eullaffroy," declared Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "He is a player who is physically strong and fast. His excellent vision of the game enables him to make the right decisions in the 18-yard box. He will now need to show that he deserves his spot in the team this upcoming season."

"I'm thrilled about having been invited to camp, but the toughest part is yet to come," declared Agourram, who is back from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he took part in the U-23 Canadian Olympic team training camp, from January 11 to the 19. "I hope to leave a positive impression and be selected by the club. I had a good season with the Attak last year and I believe I'm ready to make the leap into the professional ranks. My learning curve will only continue to grow with the Impact."

Agourram had also been selected to the U-20 Canadian team, which took part in the Francophone Games last September in Lebanon. Before joining the Attak, he had evolved in 2008 with the Montreal-Concordia AAA Soccer Club. Agourram also played minor soccer with the Pointe-aux-Trembles (2003-2005) and Saint-Donat (2006-2007) clubs.

There are currently 18 players under contract on the Impact roster. Besides Agourram, goalkeeper Andrei Badescu, the Impact's third goalkeeper in 2009, will also be trying out during camp.

A reminder that 2010 season tickets are currently on sale. Once again this year, the organization is offering affordable prices, starting at $180 in the supporters section and $250 in the Bronze category. Contact the Montreal Impact to purchase season ticket packages at impactmontreal.com or by dialling 514-328-3668.